Methods for optimizing and evaluating network access techniques
AssigneeAT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
InventorRobert Cahn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods of evaluating access to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) from alternate access connections and for improving access to VPNs from alternate access connections such as ISPs. The methods include downloading a set of tests through a network backbone to simulate access to the VPN from the alternate access connection and comparing the results of the test to benchmarks for the test of access to the VPN from leased lines and modems. By obtaining comparisons of the tests and the benchmarks, it is possible to determine the throughput of data through the VPN and tell the customer how its access connections are affecting, among other things, the raw data throughput. This allows the customer and/or the network service provider to adjust the access connections to improve communications with the VPN.
Claims12
A method for evaluating the performance of a customer's virtual private network (VPN) network access arrangements from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) access connection, comprising the steps of:
- downloading a test through a network to a VPN that has been created and is being used by customers that will simulate interactions with the VPN and the ISP access connection;
- measuring the data-carrying performance of the VPN in the test with respect to the ISP access connection;
- comparing the performance results of the test with respect to the ISP access connection to benchmarks for the test with respect to one or more access connections to the VPN from other than the ISP access connection;
- and
- reporting the results of the comparison to a recipient selected from (a) a customer of the VPN and (b) a provider of the VPN.
A method for improving data throughput in a virtual private network (VPN) that has been created and is being used by customers, comprising the steps of:
- simulating interactions with the VPN from access by a first access connection by downloading a test through a network to the customer's VPN, measuring the data-carrying performance of the VPN with the first access connection, and comparing results of the test with a benchmark for the test that would have connected to the VPN through an access connection other than the first access connection;
- providing the results of the comparison to customers of the VPN;
- and
- adjusting access to the customer's VPN as a result of the comparison to an access arrangement providing improved data throughput.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.